Category Archives: Makeup

Wow! Is it spring already? It seems like just yesterday I was muddling through winter and now all of a sudden I have this burst of energy and motivation to clean and organize EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, even with the longer days I still can’t find time to do it all. I’ve learned over the years that I can’t tackle everything at once; I have to break tasks down into small projects or nothing will ever get finished. The other piece to that puzzle for me is trying to throw in a fun project here and there to keep me motivated.

A favorite spring project of mine is going through my makeup, purging and replacing the old while adding a few fun new items to update my look. This task feels especially significant to me this year as I am turning forty in April. I believe forty is just a doorway for all of the amazing things yet to come, but I still want to walk through that door looking twenty-five (ok, I’ll settle for early thirties).

First of all, I know that it doesn’t matter how great my makeup arsenal is if I don’t take good care of my skin. I own a salon and spa for goodness sakes, doesn’t that mean I know everything? HA- NOT EVEN CLOSE. However, I am a pretty smart cookie and I’ve staffed my spa with professionals who know a whole lot more than I do about skincare and makeup.

Before I get too excited about freshening up my makeup, let’s chat a bit about skincare. I am a true believer in professional skincare at home and in the spa. I use a combination of Sanitas and Image products and I love both equally. I never get rid of skincare products that are working for me- although I do have to replace empties and add new products that address my skin in a different way. I make sure to book skincare appointments regularly, (about every 6 weeks) so that I stay on top of changes in my skin. I’ve noticed in the last few years that I need and prefer a slightly more aggressive approach in the treatment room. In our dry climate, and maybe because I am no longer a spring chicken, I benefit greatly from resurfacing treatments such as microderm and dermaplane. They help my skin absorb all of the nutrients that are packed into my homecare products. One of the most fabulous things I can share with you about the estheticians at Essence is that every treatment is carefully customized to fit the individual needs of each client. This ensures you always get the facial your skin craves.

Skin that is well cared for is easier to apply makeup to and will yield a more natural and even result. My first choice in makeup is Glo Minerals. One of the qualities that makes Glo a standout makeup line is that they use pharmaceutical grade ingredients. They infuse their formulations with Vitamins A, C, E, and Green Tea Extract, a powerful antioxidant blend vital to maintaining and protecting healthy skin. I’ve been using Glo since we began carrying it in 2013. The line is complete; everything you need from foundation and concealers to eyes, lips, and cheeks. I truly appreciate the beauty and artistry that goes into a great smoky eye, a perfectly contoured jawline, and lips that pout but not overly so. However, I am more of a “fresh face” kind of gal. Their primer, sheer tint foundation, and blush are easy to use and feel amazing on my skin. Complement those staples with a couple of fun eyeshadows and lip colors and whatever else Glo is cooking up this season I am fresh and ready for spring (and the big 4-0)!

In anticipation of a beautiful spring, Essence has put together a week-long skincare and makeup event April 3-8. Our skincare specialists, Serissa Asta and Lindsey Sloan will be offering skincare and makeup consultations as well as specially priced makeup services. (details below)

Serissa Asta received her training at the Aveda Academy in downtown Denver in 2006, and continued her education at the Denver School of Aesthetics receiving certification in chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Serissa is talented in the art of eyebrow shaping and is experienced in body waxing. She thrives in situations that enable her to use her vibrancy and creativity, especially in the realm of makeup application. A former freelance makeup artist for MAC, Serissa thoroughly enjoys walking alongside her clients in mutual pursuit of renewal and reinvention. She values the process of skin care and strives to meet the unique requests that each client brings to the table.

Lindsey Sloan has been a licensed esthetician for over 14 years. She is very passionate and is deeply committed to achieving the best results possible, customizing every service to meet the needs of each client. Lindsey loves to learn and grow. She regularly attends advanced education classes and offers purposeful, effective treatments. Well-rounded and skillful, Lindsey offers a full menu of skincare services. Her specialties include anti -aging treatments, dermaplaning, and all types of waxing. She holds a degree in Psychology and enjoys assisting others in their journey to wellness and wholeness.

If you are looking for a fun, feel good spring project- consider adding some fun new skincare and makeup goodies to update your collection. We are excited to help you put your best face forward this spring!

When it comes to makeup, the best approach is a no fuss routine for every day, coupled with a “bag of tricks (and techniques)” for special occasions. In general, women like to look fresh and natural; not overdone. This is the general consensus among our everyday beauties as well as our brides. Of course there are times when we are compelled to further enhance our natural appearance. Most days though, simplicity speaks. Here are a few tips to get you out the door with the simplest of efforts.

FOUNDATION

Choosing the right foundation is paramount; it will make or break your entire makeup application. Knowing your skin type is an important first challenge. Picking the wrong foundation for your skin type may cause your face to feel too dry or oily, resulting in blemishes or a “caked on” texture that looks anything but fresh and flawless.

Most foundations list what type of coverage they are designed to provide. Liquids are the most commonly found and used. They are formulated to work well on combination, balanced, and dry skin. Also popular are powder formulas which are best suited for those with balanced, combination, or oily skin. Cream is another option for dry skin, offering a smooth and velvety full coverage.

The next challenge is color matching a foundation to your skin. The easiest way to do this is to enlist the help of a makeup artist. Identifying one’s skin level and tone, and translating that information into a great foundation match takes training and practice. In most cases, even diligent sunscreen wearers need to be re-matched seasonally. Switching foundation brands or formulas also merits re-matching. The goal: foundation that blends seamlessly into your skin with minimal effort. At Essence, color matching is ALWAYS complimentary.

BASE – First, use a primer; if you have any skin texture issues or large pores this is very important. Apply with a brush or clean fingers. Next, apply foundation or tinted SPF all over with a foundation brush, blending well at the hair and jawline. Note: Tinted SPF, BB, and CC creams offer very similar coverage.

LASHES – Mascara is the easiest way to “wake up” your eyes. Use a lash curler and give lashes 2-3 pumps per eye, followed by mascara. It’s worth noting that lengthening mascara will always be less clumpy than volumizing mascara. If you don’t care for mascara, consider lash tinting or lash extensions (Essence offers both) and you’ll go from 3 to 2 minute makeup! Tip: Replace mascara every 3 months and always twirl the wand in the tube (pumping dries it out faster).

Finish this easy look with a light, translucent powder and you’re ready to go!

5 MINUTE MAKEUP

For days when you are not in a time crunch yet opt for simple and fresh.

BASE- see above.

CONCEALER -Using concealer under the eyes and over any blemishes will pull your look together even more by creating a more finished appearance. Using concealer after you’ve applied foundation will help you not to use too much. A good camouflage brush will also help your application.

BRONZER/BLUSH -Choose one or the other or both! Bronzer is great for contouring with a powder or fan brush – use sparingly on the temples, hollows of the cheeks, and jawline to create a more slender face. Blush should be applied from the ear toward the nose to accent the cheeks.

LASHES- see above.

Finish with a light, translucent powder and once again you’re ready to go!

10 MINUTE MAKEUP

For days when you have a little bit of time to spare and want to get a little “dolled up”.

BASE/ CONCEALER/ BRONZER/ BLUSH- see above.

EYESHADOW – Apply a basic neutral color over the entire lid, adding a lighter color onto the brow bone to brighten the eyes. There are many different things you can do with eyeshadow to enhance your eyes and overall look. Tip: Try an eyeshadow crayon! They are fast and easy- just make sure you find one that’s long-wearing.

EYELINER – The easiest type of eyeliner to apply is a creamy style liner. These can easily be smudged along the lash line, creating a natural look. If your favorite eyeliner doesn’t have a smudge brush on it, buy one! Tip: An imperfect eyeliner application can be salvaged with a smudge brush.

MASCARA- see above.

LIPSTICK/GLOSS – Complete your look with a swipe of your favorite lipstick. Right now matte, colorful, and long-wearing lipsticks are in – think bold reds, plums, and bright pinks! If bright is not your style, neutrals and glosses are a great classic choice. Most importantly, choose something that you feel confident in- you are beautiful!